LASIK, or laser eye surgery, is a procedure that’s used to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and other vision errors. It can reduce a patient’s reliance on prescription contact lenses and eyeglasses. This procedure has been around for years and has seen significant improvements in methods and technology.

Better Tools Mean Better LASIK Results

One of the biggest advancements in LASIK is the introduction of improved tools. An excimer laser and microkeratome were originally used to cut a corneal flap. The Kremer Exciser Laser was approved by the FDA in 1995. This tool was equipped with eye-tracking technology that vastly improved efficacy and safety.

The first femtosecond laser was approved in the U.S. in 2001. This became the preferred tool for LASIK. It came with better vision improvement and a lowered risk of complications. It’s cleaner, more precise, and can also be used in cataract surgery.

Wavefront LASIK was approved two years later. This method included evaluating the characteristics of the patient’s eye. It allowed doctors to provide a customized procedure with 3D mapping.

What Does the Future of LASIK Surgery Look Like?

LASIK surgery has improved by leaps and bounds over the past two decades. It was the most popular elective surgery by 2010. Approximately 95% of patients who had LASIK reported satisfaction with the results.

As tools and methods continue to improve, so will the appeal and reliability of LASIK. If you are interested in better vision without glasses or contacts, then this might be a good choice for you. Contact Grosinger, Spigelman & Grey to schedule a consultation for LASIK.

Most people know that stress can have a negative impact on their health and wellbeing. It is often associated with headaches and fatigue. However, did you know that stress can also affect your vision?

Fight or Flight and Your Eyes

Stress can trigger certain reactions within your body. Long ago, these reactions would cause us to go into fight or flight mode to deal with a physical threat. Today, stress can be caused by many non-physical issues like an argument with a loved one or problems at work. Our bodies don’t differentiate between the different types of stress. Instead, they react the same way they used to: by producing adrenaline and other hormones.

If you sustain this state for a long time, it can cause eye problems. Constant dilation can bring on light sensitivity and strain. If you’re tense, you may tighten muscles in your face and around your eyes which can cause soreness. Common stress-related symptoms include:

Tunnel vision

Eye twitching

Light sensitivity

Blurred vision

Eye floaters

Eye strain

How Can I Reduce the Effects of Stress On My Eyes?

The first thing you should do if you notice stress-related symptoms is to find ways to relax. A warm bath, exercise, meditation, and deep, slow breathing can help. If you experience chronic stress, then you may need to see a doctor or therapist. If you notice any changes in your vision, contact Grosinger, Spiegelman & Grey ophthalmologists for an appointment.

The term optic neuritis describes inflammation that causes damage to the optic nerve. The optic nerve is a bundle of fibers that the body uses to transmit visual information from eyes to the brain. This type of inflammation is linked to multiple sclerosis (MS).

Signs of Optic Neuritis

The signs of optic neuritis are usually present in one eye. Common symptoms include:

Vision Loss – Some patients experience a temporary reduction in eyesight. The effect can vary and be more severe in some cases. This symptom usually appears over hours or days and can improve across weeks or months. Vision loss can become permanent.

Eye Pain – Eye pain may be reported. This is usually worsened when the eye moves. It often feels like a dull aching behind the affected eye.

Less Vivid Colors – The patient’s ability to see colors are often decreased.

Flashing Lights – Some patients see flashing or flickering lights when they move their eye.

Loss of Visual Field – A loss of side vision can occur.

Other Causes of Optic Neuritis

Modern medicine doesn’t know the exact cause of optic neuritis. Patients who have the condition have a 50% risk of developing MS in their lifetime. Other possible causes or factors include:

Medications – Some medications like quinine and certain antibiotics have been associated with reports of optic neuritis.

If you suspect that you have a serious eye condition, then you should see an ophthalmologist right away. Contact Grosinger, Spigelman & Grey to schedule an appointment if you notice changes in your eyes, if you develop new symptoms, or if your symptoms don’t improve with treatment.

Diabetic retinopathy is a condition that can develop in people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Blood vessels inside the retina become swollen, damaged, or they grow irregularly. This is caused by maintaining a high average blood glucose level over a long period of time – usually years. If you or someone you love has diabetes, then you need to know about diabetic retinopathy.

Signs of Diabetic Retinopathy

A patient with mild diabetic retinopathy may not notice any symptoms, or the symptoms may be so minor that they don’t realize the problem exists. It isn’t until the condition becomes severe that you notice significant changes in your vision, including:

Loss of central vision when driving or reading

Unexplained blurry vision

Black spots in vision

Inability to view colors

It’s always best to contact an ophthalmologist if you notice any changes in your vision – even if the changes seem very small or aren’t life-changing.

Preventing Diabetic Retinopathy

The most important thing you can do to protect your vision is to monitor your blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure. You should also see an eye doctor regularly. A diabetic retinopathy screening can be included with your regular exam. A medical professional can assess your risk and determine the best course of action. The earlier the condition is detected, the sooner you can make changes to prevent loss of sight.

Even if you aren’t yet experiencing problems, you should still make an appointment. Contact Grosinger, Spigelman & Grey today to receive a comprehensive examination along with a diabetic retinopathy screening.

Eye disease includes a broad range of conditions. Some can be mild while others can be serious enough to cause poor sight or blindness. Early detection is the best way to manage any illness.

Herpes Simplex

Herpes simplex is a common virus that can affect the skin, causing cold sores. It can also be transmitted sexually. The virus can cause ulceration or pitting of the cornea. Some patients can experience acute retinal necrosis (ARN) from chronic infections. This leads to destruction if retinal tissue and significant damage to sight. Approximately 15% of patients with herpes simplex lose at least some of their vision.

Bacterial Keratitis

Bacterial keratitis can occur when common bacteria usually found in the mouth, nose, and on skin makes its way into the cornea. Usually, it cannot penetrate the outer layer of the eye, so the patient may only experience conjunctivitis. Certain conditions can allow the bacteria to get through the outer layer. Those with an eye injury or weak immune system are at risk. Also, patients who wear contacts can also develop bacterial keratitis due to a lack of oxygen from the lens.

Ocular Histoplasmosis Syndrome

Ocular histoplasmosis syndrome (OHS) is a fungal infection that occurs when spores are inhaled. In a small number of cases, the fungus can migrate to the retina and cause damage over years. Symptoms include retinal decay that’s similar to macular degeneration. While only a very small fraction of cases develops into OHS, it is a large reason for legal blindness in people ages 20 to 40 in the U.S.

Contact Grosinger, Spigelman & Grey for an appointment and proper treatment if you think you may have an infectious diseases of the eye.

The answer; not really BUT it is ill advised to force your eyes open in excessively frigid temperatures especially with gusty winds as yourcornea can freeze or your contact lenses can freeze to your eyeball.

Luckily, any damage usually heals within weeks if not sooner, but not always. There are those that have tissue loss and need restorative surgery. So, it is best when outdoors in extreme cold temperatures like we are experiencing now to wear proper goggles or eye wear to protect your eyes.

Strabismus, or crossed eyes, affects approximately 4% of people in the United States. There are different types, including esotropia, hypertropia, exotropia, and hypotropia. Patients with the condition will have eyes that are misaligned. This occurs as a result of extreme farsightedness or poor eye muscle control.

The Risk of Strabismus

Family history can increase the risk of strabismus. Parents are more likely to have children who have the condition. People with significant farsightedness that goes uncorrected can also develop strabismus due to one eye compensating.

Some medical conditions also increase risk, including Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, stroke, or suffering a head injury.

Treating Strabismus

Several treatment options are available for strabismus. They include:

Prism Lenses – These prescription lenses use prisms to reduce the amount of turning the eye must do to view an object.

Contacts or Eyeglasses – This is all that many patients need to correct strabismus. It corrects farsightedness so that the eye no longer has to compensate.

Vision Therapy – Includes a structured regimen of activities designed to improve eye focusing and coordination. It trains the eyes and brain to work together. Therapy can be done in the ophthalmologist’s office or at home.

Surgery – Eye surgery can be used to lengthen or reposition muscles, so they are straight. Vision therapy is usually needed after the procedure to improve coordination and prevent the eyes from misaligning again.

Postoperative care after cataract surgery isn’t as scary as it sounds. In fact, the process is usually quick and easy. The procedure without complications takes around 10 minutes to complete. So what happens after the ophthalmologist is finished working on your eyes?

Immediately After Cataract Surgery

You will be moved into a recovery area immediately after cataract surgery. This is a safe, comfortable place for you to wait until sedation or anesthesia begins to wear off. This part of recovery usually takes between 30 and 60 minutes.

Once you have recovered enough to head home, you will need someone available to drive you. You will not be able to drive immediately after your appointment. Rest is recommended when you get home. Your doctor will advise you on whether or not you need to keep a protective shield over your eye.

Adaptation After Cataract Surgery

Recovery is quick, but there is a period of adaptation after cataract removal. At first, you may notice cloudy, blurry, or distorted vision. Your eye will need to adjust to the intraocular lens that was added.

Patients often describe wavy effects in their vision. This should only continue for about an hour or so. If it persists, you should contact your ophthalmologist.

Your eyes may look bloodshot as well because of blood vessel damage that occurs during the procedure. This is normal and will go away over the course of several days. You may also see bruising on the skin under the eye that can occur if you received an anesthesia injection.

Many experience clear vision hours after surgery. Some may need as much as a week before they start seeing images in sharp focus. You will be provided postoperative care instructions after cataract surgery before going home.

Glaucoma is the world’s leading cause of permanent blindness. There are currently over three million people in the United States that are living with glaucoma.

Each person’s risk will vary based on several factors. Genetics will play a role. Studies have indicated that over 50% of glaucoma is hereditary. If your sibling has the condition, then you may be as much as 10 times more likely to develop it as well. Talk to your family to learn more about genetic risks and to ensure that everyone keeps a regular eye exam schedule.

Other factors that can raise your glaucoma risk level include:

Age 40 or older

Asian, Hispanic, or African heritage

Diagnosed with high eye pressure

Suffering an eye injury

Long-term use of steroid medications

Corneas with a thin center

High blood pressure or poor circulation

Diabetes

Migraines

Can I Prevent Glaucoma?

It’s not always possible to prevent glaucoma completely, but you can do things to lower your risk. Start with regular eye exams and a healthy lifestyle. Good diet and exercise are essential to prevent many diseases. Also, wear eye protection when engaging in activities like sports or anything that could cause an injury.

How Do I Know If I Have Glaucoma?

The only way to know if you have glaucoma is with a comprehensive eye examination. Grosinger, Spigelman & Grey’s ophthalmologists will measure eye pressure, inspect drainage, test peripheral vision, and assess your optic nerve to provide an accurate diagnosis and recommendation for treatment or ongoing care. Contact our Bloomfield Hills office today to make an appointment.

LenSx Cataract Surgery

The LenSx® Laser signifies a bold leap forward in cataract surgery. The first femtosecond laser cleared for use in cataract surgery, it brings image-guided computer precision to refractive cataract surgeons.